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Plant Profiles / Echeveria
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Echeveria
Echeveria spp. and hybrids · Mexican snowball, painted lady
Rosette-forming succulents in soft shades of blue, pink, lilac and green. Perfect for small pots, arrangements and sunny spots.
Full sunLight
Every 2–3 weeksWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Lots of direct light.
Water
Every 2–3 weeks
DryWet
Water only when dry; avoid the rosette.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
5–35°C (41–95°F)
CoolWarm
Protect from frost.
Growth
Slow, rosette
SlowFast
Grows 5–30 cm.
Soil
Cactus & succulent mix
LeanRich
Very free-draining.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Diluted succulent fertiliser in spring.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
Echeverias come from Mexico and Central America. They form tight rosettes that produce offsets. Bright light keeps them compact and colourful.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, windowsills, succulent bowls and rockeries.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Echeveria spp. and hybrids |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Origin | Mexico & Central America |
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Mature size | 5–30 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Rosettes of fleshy leaves |
| Flowers | Bell-shaped on tall stems |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Offsets or leaves |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Water less
Active growthFloweringWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Stretching | Not enough light. |
| Mushy leaves | Overwatering. |
| Sunburn | Sudden strong sun. |
| Mealybugs | Treat with alcohol. |
| Shrivelled lower leaves | Normal. |
Common questions
How do I propagate?
Twist off a leaf and lay it on dry mix.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Can it grow indoors?
Only on a very sunny sill.
Why is it stretching?
Too little light.
